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Waugh looking to combat Murali menace

Steve Waugh is backing his Australian team to combat the menace of Muttaiah Muralitharan in the deciding third and final Test against Sri Lanka starting tomorrow.

Off-spinner Muralitharan has already captured 12 wickets from three innings in the first two Tests to help Sri Lanka take a 1-0 lead in the series.

The Australian captain said: ''It's a real test for your technique playing him (Muralitharan). He is such an unusual bowler that the ball comes out differently than from any other bowler's hand.

''If we can keep him out we know we are going to post a big score. I am backing the guys to come through.''

Muralitharan's unorthodox style -- he bowls with an unusual double jointed wrist action -- stems from a permanent deformity in his right arm, which he cannot straighten.

No one appreciates his value more than Sri Lankan captain Sanath Jayasuriya, who said: ''Muralitharan is bowling at his peak and it is wonderful to have such a match-winning bowler in your side.''

Jayasuriya, who succeeded Arjuna Ranatunga after the World Cup in England last May and June, is seeking to lead Sri Lanka to their first series win against Australia.

Sri Lanka won the first Test in kandy by six wickets and the rain-hit second Test in Galle was drawn.

The heavy rain which washed out that match has continued and officials say it looks extremely unlikely the third Test at the Singhalese Sports Club grounds will begin on time.

Both sides are to be unchanged from the Galle Test after Australian wicketkeeper Ian Healy passed a fitness test on Wednesday.

Healy had strained his right thigh while playing soccer and wicketkeeper-batsman Adam Gilchrist was on standby in Perth to fly here if needed.

The Test will be the last for Australian coach Geoff Marsh, who will be replaced by former captain Allan Border for the Zimbabwe leg of the tour starting on October 8.

Sri Lankan umpire Kandiah Francis will also be standing in his last Test before retiring. He has officiated in 24 Tests and 62 one-day internationals.

The teams:
Sri Lanka (from) - Sanath Jayasuriya (captain), Marvan Atapattu, Russel Arnold, Aravinda De Silva, Mahela Jayawardene, Arjuna Ranatunga, Romesh Kaluwitharana, Chaminda Vaas, Rangana Herath, Nuwan Zoysa, Muttiah Muralitharan, Upul Chandana.

Australia (from) - Steve Waugh (captain), Michael Slater, Greg Blewett, Justin Langer, Mark Waugh, Ricky Ponting, Ian Healy, Shane Warne, Damien Fleming, Colin Miller, Glenn McGrath, Matthew Hayden.

UNI